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            <span style="">What are your first impressions of the heat?</span>                

"It's a little humid down here compared to California, a different kind of heat, but I'm dealing with it and getting acclimated."

Was your first practice what you expected, had you talked to Reggie Bush about what was coming?

"I talked to Reggie a little bit before the practices, it was very high-tempo, kind of what I expected. All in all, I think it went very well. I'm with a coach (defensive line coach Ed Orgeron) that I've worked with before, so I kind of knew what to expect."

What was your excitement/anticipation level like coming in?

"Well, being a first-round pick, you have a level of pressure, you want to make a good impression. The tempo was very high, everyone wants to come out and be seen. Everything was very fast-paced."

You seem to be at a position where there is a need, where they expect you to make a contribution right away. Do you feel that way?

"Right now, you don't know, that's up to the coaches. I'm going to work my hardest to put my stamp on this team and work my hard. I'm going to compete for everything I can get."

In the past, defensive tackles have come to New Orleans and really enjoyed the food. Do you have to work to control your weight?

"It's always a concern for a big guy, but as a professional now, you have to be disciplined, get your workouts in and watch your eating habits."

Are you looking forward to visiting some of the famous restaurants in town?

"I haven't ever been to New Orleans, this is my first time, so I think maybe I will give Reggie (Bush) a call and hit the spots, see what is good down here."

Are you excited to be reunited with Coach Orgeron?

"Yes, definitely. Coach O is a hard coach, you know he's going to work to get you better, you know he isn't going to take it easy on you or anything like that. In that aspect, you are always getting better with Coach Orgeron. I think that's a good thing."

Does it help that you know what to expect out of Coach Orgeron, and also knowing Reggie Bush?

"I definitely know what to expect from Coach O, he's been the same since the first day I met him until now. He knows my strengths and weaknesses, so I think that's a good combination. And I've also talked to Reggie a few times, and he's doing the things he needs to handle. Once camp's over and everything calms down, maybe then we'll hang out a little bit. As of now I'm just trying to get on the team and handle my business."

How have you handled the conditions the first couple of days of practice?

"It's different. Even when you work out in California and you think you are in shape, the air is a little different here and you have to get acclimated. The first day was a lot more difficult than today. My body is getting used to it and we're working it out. I think I came in here in pretty good shape. We did the Combine and it's been back to back things. I think I did alright."

Have any of the other defensive linemen on the Saints called you?

"No, other defensive lineman have not called me."

What is it that you've done in the first three practices that you are happy with?

"I think you can always improve. But I'm very happy with how fast I'm catching on to the system, the plays they've put in, the stunts – I've been able grasp them pretty quickly and to apply them to the field. You can always get better, but that's the stuff I'm working on. I haven't been able to play football in awhile, but that's the kind of things I'm working on."